Canada Express Entry – Eligibility and How to Apply

Express Entry manages permanent residence applications for three federal economic programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Applicants create an online profile and are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest‑scoring candidates receive invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.

1.1 Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Overview & Eligibility

The FSWP is for skilled workers with foreign work experience. To qualify you must:

1. Meet minimum skilled work requirements: You need at least one year of continuous paid full‑time work (or an equivalent amount in part‑time) within the last ten years in National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER categories 0–3. The work must match the lead statement and duties of your NOC, and you cannot count unpaid or student work canada.ca.
2. Meet language requirements: You must take an approved language test in English or French and obtain minimum scores (CLB/NCLC 7) in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
3. Meet education requirement: You need a Canadian secondary or post‑secondary credential or a foreign credential plus an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
4. Meet the selection factors: Canada uses a 100‑point grid assessing age, education, work experience, language skills, arranged employment and adaptability. You need at least 67 points to qualify. Points are awarded based on detailed criteria (e.g., language test scores, years of experience, job offer points, etc.) canada.ca.
5. Have proof of funds: You must show sufficient settlement funds unless you have a valid job offer or are already working in Canada.

Step‑by‑Step Process

1. Check your eligibility: Review the FSWP requirements above. Use the Government of Canada’s “Come to Canada” tool to confirm eligibility.
2. Gather documents: Prepare your passport, language test results, ECA report, work experience letters, proof of funds, job offer (if applicable) and police certificates.
3. Create your Express Entry profile: Sign in or create an account on IRCC’s portal. Enter personal details, education, work history, language scores and a reference code if obtained from the “Come to Canada” tool canada.ca. Submit your profile within 60 days or start again.
4. Improve your CRS score: Once in the pool, you can increase your CRS points by improving language scores, gaining more work experience, completing additional education, obtaining a provincial nomination (600 points) or securing a valid job offer canada.ca.
5. Receive an ITA and apply: If selected, you’ll receive an ITA. You then have 60 days to submit an electronic application for permanent residence with all supporting documents and pay the fees canada.ca.

Helpful Tips

• Ensure job duties match those in your NOC and keep records of pay and job titles.
• Language test results and ECA must be less than two years old.
• Update your profile if your circumstances change; failure to do so may result in refusal.

Worldbridge Immigration Services can assist you with eligibility assessments, document preparation and profile creation.

1.2 Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Overview & Eligibility

The FSTP is for people with skilled trades experience. To qualify you must:

1. Have at least two years of full‑time work (3,120 hours) in a skilled trade within the last five years; the hours can be cumulative from more than one job.
2. Have a valid job offer of full‑time employment for at least one year or a certificate of qualification issued by a provincial or territorial body canada.ca.
3. Meet language requirements: CLB 5 in speaking and listening, CLB 4 in reading and writing canada.ca.
4. Education: No education requirement, but Canadian or foreign education with ECA can improve CRS score.
5. Proof of funds: Demonstrate settlement funds unless you have a valid job offer or are working in Canada.

Eligible trades fall under NOC Groups 72, 73, 82, 83, 92, 93, minor group 6320 and unit group 62200 (e.g., industrial, electrical and construction trades; maintenance and equipment operation; supervisors and technical jobs; agriculture supervisors; chefs and cooks; butchers and bakers) canada.ca.

Step‑by‑Step Process

1. Check your NOC and eligibility: Confirm your trade is eligible and that you meet work experience, language and job offer requirements.
2. Obtain a job offer or certificate of qualification: Secure a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or obtain a certificate through a Canadian provincial/territorial authority (often requiring an assessment of your skills).
3. Gather documents: Passport, language test results, proof of work experience, job offer/certificate of qualification, proof of funds and other supporting documents.
4. Create Express Entry profile: Complete your profile in the Express Entry system and select the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Enter details about your trade experience and job offer.
5. Receive ITA and apply: When you receive an ITA, submit your application within 60 days with all documentation.

1.3 Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Overview & Eligibility

The CEC is tailored for candidates with Canadian work experience. To qualify:

1. Canadian skilled work experience: You need at least one year (1,560 hours) of paid, full‑time (or equivalent part‑time) experience in NOC TEER 0–3 within the last three years canada.ca. Remote work counts only if performed physically in Canada; self‑employment and student work experience generally do not count canada.ca.
2. Language requirements: Minimum CLB 7 for TEER 0–1 occupations or CLB 5 for TEER 2–3 canada.ca.
3. No education requirement, though Canadian or foreign education with ECA improves your CRS score.
4. Admissibility and intent: You must be admissible to Canada and plan to live outside Quebec canada.ca.

Step‑by‑Step Process

1. Confirm your work experience: Ensure your Canadian work experience was authorized, paid, and meets TEER requirements. Keep pay stubs, letters of employment and tax documents.
2. Take a language test: Acquire approved language results less than two years old at or above the required CLB level.
3. Prepare documents: Passport, language test results, proof of work experience, education credentials (if available), proof of funds (only if not already working in Canada) and any provincial nomination.
4. Create Express Entry profile: Follow the same steps as FSWP; indicate that you qualify for CEC.
5. Await ITA and submit application: Once invited, complete the application within 60 days.

Worldbridge Immigration Services can help you verify work history, gather documents and submit your CEC application.